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About zoeweil

I'm the co-founder and President of the Institute for Humane Education (IHE). IHE works to create a world in which we all live humanely, sustainably, and peaceably. We do this by training people to be humane educators who teach about the pressing issues of our time and inspire people to work for change while making healthy, humane, and restorative choices in their daily lives. We also work to advance the field of humane education, and to provide tools and inspiration to people everywhere so that they can live examined, meaningful lives. I'm also a writer. So far I've written six books and several articles.

Discussion

3 thoughts on “Paying Teachers $125K for Excellence”

Wow! Well, I’d been hearing and reading about this story and just got to watch it! I went through a whirl-wind of emotions watching. I guess in the end I compare teaching at TEP to becoming a high-power defense attorney. Yes, they get paid well, but they are probably inclined for divorce, alcoholism, exhaustion, and other destructive devices. I don’t think its fair that the Principal gets several years to prove his effectiveness, but teachers only get one! I don’t think the “classroom management” that they are oppressing students with will empower them to high-level careers or colleges… It seemed like more of the same training that will either leave them prepared for Wal-Mart jobs or hopelessly confused when they reach college and have to manage their lives. I would like to see a story on humanely educated children of the same backgrounds. I would like to hear from some parents. I would like to know how those children were selected and how many were dropped from the program for not conforming. I’d love to hear your perspective, Zoe.

I had lots of feelings watching it. As you pointed out, the workaholic nature was disturbing because that’s not sustainable or healthy and shouldn’t be required for excellent teaching. On the other hand, I feel strongly that great teaching should be properly remunerated (see my essay about this here: http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/03/04-0.)